Social media is one of the most powerful tools of the digital age. It connects us with friends, builds communities, and helps businesses grow. But like any powerful tool, it can be misused—and when it is, the consequences can be devastating.
Facebook and Instagram, two of the most widely used platforms in the UK, are also prime hunting grounds for cybercriminals. From identity theft to phishing scams, bad actors are constantly evolving their tactics to exploit unsuspecting users.
The Double-Edged Sword: How to Stay Safe from Social Media Scams on Facebook and Instagram
Why Social Media Is Both a Blessing and a Curse
The Blessing:
- Connection: Stay in touch with family, friends, and clients.
- Marketing: Promote your business, build brand awareness, and engage with customers.
- Information: Discover trends, news, and opportunities in real time.
The Curse:
- Oversharing: Personal details like birthdays, locations, and family names can be weaponised.
- Impersonation: Fake profiles can be used to scam your contacts or damage your reputation.
- Phishing: Malicious links in DMs or comments can lead to credential theft or malware.
Common Social Media Threats on Facebook and Instagram
Fake Profiles and Impersonation
- Scammers create lookalike accounts to trick your friends or followers into sending money or clicking malicious links.
Phishing Links in DMs or Comments
- “Check out this video of you!” or “You’ve won a prize!”—classic bait to steal your login credentials.
Malicious Ads
- Fraudulent ads that lead to fake stores or malware-infected sites.
Data Harvesting via Quizzes and Games
- Innocent-looking quizzes (“What’s your royal name?”) often collect personal data used for password guessing or identity theft.
Business Page Takeovers
- Attackers gain access to business accounts and run scam ads or lock out the rightful owner.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Business
✅ Lock Down Your Privacy Settings
- Limit who can see your posts, tag you, or send you messages.
- On Facebook, use the “Privacy Checkup” tool. On Instagram, switch to a private profile if you don’t need public visibility.
✅ Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Always enable 2FA on both platforms. It adds a critical layer of protection even if your password is compromised.
✅ Be Skeptical of Links and Messages
- Don’t click on suspicious links—even if they come from someone you know. Their account may be compromised.
✅ Use Strong, Unique Passwords
- Avoid using the same password across platforms. Consider a password manager to keep track.
✅ Verify Before You Share
- Think twice before posting personal details like your pet’s name, your school, or your mother’s maiden name—these are common password reset questions.
✅ Monitor Your Business Pages
- Regularly check admin roles and ad activity. Remove unknown users immediately.
What to Do If You’re Targeted
- Report the Account: Use the in-app tools to report impersonation or scams.
- Change Your Passwords: Immediately update your credentials and enable 2FA.
- Notify Your Network: Let your contacts know if your account has been compromised.
- Contact Support: Facebook and Instagram have dedicated recovery processes for hacked accounts.
Final Thoughts
Social media is a powerful tool—but only if used wisely. Whether you’re a casual user or a business owner, staying vigilant is your best defence. The more you understand the risks, the better you can protect your identity, your data, and your reputation.
If you’re a business looking to strengthen your digital defences, Secure Chain Technology Group offers tailored cybersecurity awareness training and social engineering assessments to help your team stay one step ahead of the scammers.
